Question(s) about "restoration" and repair

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Indlons_duded

Basic Member
Joined
Nov 27, 2010
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3
Hello everyone! I've always loved a good restoration (like the youtube channel mymechanics). I recently acquired some old rusty slipjoints from my neighborhood trinket shop and have become enamored with the restoration process. Last time I fell down this hole, it was with sewing machines. I learned so much, acquired far too many machines, and had some of the most satisfying Lazarus restoration experiences I could hope for. Before that, it was old scissors. Realizing I couldn't easily find a pair of all-metal scissors without paying a premium, I realized there were myriad eBay pairs just waiting to come back to life that would beat anything from Target, Walmart, or Amazon (yes I did splurge on a pair of Ernest Wrights)

My intent is to bring junkers back to users, not necessarily "preserve historical gems"

I guess I haven't been able to yet find the "pros" that are doing old slipjoint / lockback restorations, and what the process really looks like. I would like a handful of knives to learn on, where I don't really care about the outcome. Although I know (assume) the construction of the cheap chinese / pakastanian knives aren't going to reveal the construction secrets of the good ones. Either way, I have a couple questions below. Apologies if my search terms didn't land me on the obvious gems right here in this forum ;) I'd like to share some pics of what I've done so far, hence question #1

1: Preferred Image hosting for this forum? Imgur ok? rip photobucket (or just attach image files?)
2: Are there any specialized tools? I have an arbor press, die grinders, and most hand tools
2: Materials? I got some brass rod stock from amzn, although this question is more around "how many diameters would I actually need? All of them? Barring that, a metal lathe?". (The amzn set has 1/16, 3/32 in. and up)
3: youtube channels / forum posts / blogs?
 
"best" way to post pictures with a basic or higher membership is to use the "Attach files" button, located lower left of the thread reply text box. (Fastest and easiest way, anyhow.)

I don't know about the restoration steps. The most I've done is remove any red rust, clean and lube the joints, and sharpen as needed.
(on some of my most carried and used modern manufacture traditional knives I have given the bolsters a "brushed" finish, since shiny IS a 🤬🤬 fingerprint and smudge magnet.)
 
Indlons_duded said:
Hello everyone! I've always loved a good restoration (like the youtube channel mymechanics). I recently acquired some old rusty slipjoints from my neighborhood trinket shop and have become enamored with the restoration process. Last time I fell down this hole, it was with sewing machines. I learned so much, acquired far too many machines, and had some of the most satisfying Lazarus restoration experiences I could hope for. Before that, it was old scissors. Realizing I couldn't easily find a pair of all-metal scissors without paying a premium, I realized there were myriad eBay pairs just waiting to come back to life that would beat anything from Target, Walmart, or Amazon (yes I did splurge on a pair of Ernest Wrights)

My intent is to bring junkers back to users, not necessarily "preserve historical gems"

I guess I haven't been able to yet find the "pros" that are doing old slipjoint / lockback restorations, and what the process really looks like. I would like a handful of knives to learn on, where I don't really care about the outcome. Although I know (assume) the construction of the cheap chinese / pakastanian knives aren't going to reveal the construction secrets of the good ones. Either way, I have a couple questions below. Apologies if my search terms didn't land me on the obvious gems right here in this forum ;) I'd like to share some pics of what I've done so far, hence question #1

1: Preferred Image hosting for this forum? Imgur ok? rip photobucket (or just attach image files?)
2: Are there any specialized tools? I have an arbor press, die grinders, and most hand tools
2: Materials? I got some brass rod stock from amzn, although this question is more around "how many diameters would I actually need? All of them? Barring that, a metal lathe?". (The amzn set has 1/16, 3/32 in. and up)
3: youtube channels / forum posts / blogs?
Click to expand...

Let's get you started with a couple threads...this first one is where I did a WIP re-handle of an Imperial barlow. It's not so much a restoration, but it does talk about the processes and tools I use to take things apart and put them back together...my WIP starts on page 2.

WIP mod with pics


This thread is another that shows what different members are doing to modify their knives...there's a lot of great work in there!

Modified knives


As to your questions about tools, it sounds like you have a good start. A drill press is very handy, as well as a belt sander of some type. You can get fancy with 2 x 72 belt grinders, but you can also get a lot of mileage out of the cheap Harbor Freight 1 x 30 belt sanders. Some way to buff your metals and handle materials is also valuable. It is possible to sand and bring out a finish without a buffer, but it is extremely time consuming.

There are other forums that have modification/restoration/mechanic type stuff, but I will stay focused on BF. YT has a bunch of restoration channels, but most are there more for entertainment than true restoration.

Round metal stock? You can buy most sizes of brass and NS off Amazon or knife supply houses. If you only work on one brand of knives, like GEC or Case, you may only need a couple different sizes. However, if you are working with many different brands, you will need just about every size they make. (Ask me how I know!) It is possible to turn down stock on a lathe or drill press. It doesn't have to be precise, just close to the original as possible. I always try to retain any parts when working on a knife, including pins (or pin pieces) from taking it apart. You can mic them to get close to the size you need.

Oh yeah, be sure to share your work with us. We like pictures, and may be able to assist if you have questions.
 
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